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CIA girls cruise into state semifinals

The Cook Inlet Academy girls have advanced to the semifinal round of the Class 2A girls state tournament with a 44-24 win over Togiak on Monday at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage.

CIA got off to a quick start, outscoring Togiak 25-13 in the first half. From there, CIA was able to coast to the win and move to the semifinals for the third straight year.

“We prepared for a more improved Togiak team, because we knew they were better,” senior Kelsie Leaf said. “We had that mind-set that it was going to be a tough game, and our hustle was great, we out-rebounded them, and that’s what our coach told us to do.”

Leaf totaled up 15 points in the game, as she made 7 of 11 shots. Teammate Megan Bauder had 19 points to lead CIA.

“We knew Togiak probably wanted to get us after last year, and I had to make sure we were up and prepared for this,” head coach Rustin Hitchcock said. “We tried some new stuff today, and executed it pretty well, and I’m happy with how everyone performed.”

Leaf ended up with the CIA player of the game honors.

“I told her she needs to stop settling for short jumpers and finish at the rim, and she was working on it, and today was a big step towards that,” Hitchcock said.

Togiak was led by Drew Carlos and Shanelle Coopchiak, each with 10 points.

The Eagles face Klawock at 5 p.m. today in the semifinals.

“We’re going to expect another tough game tomorrow, especially if Klawock advances,” Hitchcock said shortly before Klawock topped Noatak 53-49.

Leaf said the team is ready for anything.

“We’re going to take it one game at a time,” she said. “I know it’s cliche, but that’s our mind-set.”